Keeping your home in tip-top shape can feel like a full-time job, especially when it comes to last-minute showings. However, being prepared is crucial if you want to put your home’s best foot forward.

If your home is currently on the market, be prepared for weekend showings, as this is when most people have time to dedicate to house hunting. Therefore, it’s important to have a plan in place by the end of the week to get everything in order before Saturday rolls around. Even if nothing is scheduled, make sure your house is in showing condition because more often than not, a real estate agent making the rounds may try to persuade house hunters into stopping by.

If you have kids, invest in some storage boxes so toys and books can be quickly disposed of and easily hidden away. Also, try to get into a routine where your children make their beds and put their dishes in the dishwasher so that everyone is involved in keeping the space looking neat and tidy.

For those with pets, have a plan in place so that you know what you’re going to do with them when a call comes in. Most real estate professionals suggest that pets be kept from roaming freely around the house when prospective buyers are touring the space, so either get them in a cage or take them with you while you leave the house. Now that the warm weather has arrived, take your dog to the park or book an appointment at the vet or even a grooming place.

Of course, the most important aspect of a home showing is to be out of the house before the potential buyers even get there. Make a list of errands you’ve been putting off and use the time wisely to cross some of those things off your list.

Before leaving the house, be sure to turn on all the lights and open any curtains that let in natural light. A nicely lit room will paint a great impression when people first walk in the door.

Remember to take out the garbage and put away any items hanging around the kitchen. You want everything to look as neat as possible so when people come in they don’t feel as if someone has just left.

Convenience is the one thing you’ll have to give up when selling a home as you can’t always control when people will want to see your house. While you can limit the hours and days your home is available for a showing by telling your real estate agent your wishes, the last thing you want to do is lose out on a potential sale because you didn’t want to leave your house for 30 minutes on a Tuesday evening.

By having a plan in place and working together to keep things neat throughout the week, getting your home ready for a showing won’t seem like another chore.

To learn more about preparing your home for a showing, contact our office today.